The opening of the Flower Beach Camp for flower lovers is defnitely a step in the right direction in this beautiful part of the West Coast.

However, I believe there is a need for normal camping sites along this route throughout the year as there are many 4x4 enthusiasts that travel this route whether South to North or North to South to explore the roughness of this un-civilised coastline.

Does Sanparks have any plans to perhaps erect normal campsites e.g. at Groenriviermond (basic facilities, no electricity etc - perhaps just gas showers or even a "donkey") - my understanding was that at one stage they were considering this.

Are there any restrictions in travelling the echo trail from Skaapvlei to Hondeklipbay e.g. permits required, closed gates etc?

Any information will be appreciated. I travelled this route 2 years ago and there were no restrictions however people were camping just everywhere due to the lack of proper camping facilities.

Hi Everybody,Been to Namibia for two weeks and what a feast! Were warned the roads might be bad due to rain but saw more graders working on the roads than I've seen standing in yards over the last 20 years in RSA!

Wonderful country, waving grass as far as you can see and friendly people but thought the accomodation was rather expensive - untill I saw the rates for Flower Beach Camp - R3000 for me and Mum!!

Will have to "PASS" this one and start planning to revisit KNP next year while the Pensioners Discounts are still applicable.

If you travel the normal route, i.e. via N7, Kamieskroon, yes you can get to the Skilpad Rest Camp with a normal sedan but deflate your tyres to around 1.5 bar as the road can be quite corrugated during the flower season.

It is defnitely worth visiting this park during the flower season as you will find lots of flowers on the circular route within the Skilpad Rest Camp area.

Post subject:
Re: News Release: First ever Flower Beach Camp open for book

Posted:
Tue Jun 14, 2011 11:55 am

Hi Blackie,

Kindly see response below:

There are already ‘normal’ demarcated camping sites (8 in total) each with 3 – 6 stands. Unfortunately there are NO fresh water along this coast line, hence only Enviro loos and braai lapas. The camping sites are very basic and visitors should come fully equipped- including water. The camp sites work on a first come, first serve basis, with no costs currently involved. You may only camp at the demarcated sites.

I don’t know the Echo trail, I have not heard of it, I guess it’s a private trail.

It is quite early in the season but Namaqua National Park is already getting a great deal of enquiries of what is expected for the upcoming flower season. This is difficult to predict but will attempt to post regular updates.

Rainfall, Skilpad section, Namaqua National Park:

•April 2011: 3.3mm (but had 27.8mm in March 2011)•May 2011: 65.8mm•June 2011: 75.7mm (to date)Although the rain has not been excessive, it has fallen at very good intervals. Over the past 5 weeks we had rain at weekly intervals, ranging from 9mm to 39mm. This has resulted in seeds germinating en masse and the resultant green carpets looks promising. Some of the rivers have also started flowing for the first time in two years.

Flowers already out include Oxalis sp. and some vygies.

The road to Skilpad is quite corrugated, but drivable with normal sedan vehicles.

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